Top Physical Therapy CV Examples

Physical therapy jobs require a wide range of skills to help patients recover from injuries, surgeries and illnesses that affect their movement and function. 

They also need to be skilled at assessing a patient’s physical abilities, developing personalized treatment plans and educating patients on how to manage their condition.

Hiring managers and recruiters for physical therapy jobs look for applicants who have a mix of soft skills and hard skills, specifically: 

• Kinesiology
• Anatomy
• Flexibility
• Medical terminology
• Biomechanics
• Time management
• Treatment planning
• Excellent communication skills
• Patient progress documentation
• Collaboration
• Motivation and encouragement
• Relationship building
• CPR
• Physical stamina
• Decision making

Employers in the physical therapy industry typically look for candidates who have completed the necessary education and training, as well as obtained the required certifications and licenses. 

Some of the qualifications and certifications that employers look for in the physical therapy industry include:

• Education: Candidates for physical therapy jobs typically need to have a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program. Some employers may also consider candidates with a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) or Bachelor of Physical Therapy (BPT) degree.
• Licensure: All physical therapists must be licensed in the state where they practice. To become licensed, candidates must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) and meet other state-specific requirements.
• Certifications: While not required, many physical therapists choose to pursue additional certifications to specialize in a particular area of practice, such as orthopedics, pediatrics, or sports therapy. Some of the most common certifications include the Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Certified Pediatric Specialist (PCS).
• Experience: Employers may prefer candidates who have some experience working in a physical therapy setting, such as a hospital, clinic or rehabilitation center. Experience working with specific patient populations or conditions, such as athletes or stroke patients, may also be a plus.

Overall, employers in the physical therapy industry look for candidates who are highly qualified, licensed and certified to practice, with experience and the necessary soft skills to provide high-quality care to patients.

Physical therapy professionals have the potential to earn a good salary and benefits package. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2020, the median annual salary for physical therapists was $91,010. 

Physical therapy assistants, who work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, earned a median annual salary of $59,770. 

The salary potential for physical therapy professionals can vary depending on several factors, including location, years of experience, specialty and type of employer. 

Physical therapists who work in metropolitan areas or in hospitals tend to earn higher salaries than those in rural areas or in outpatient clinics. Physical therapists with advanced degrees or certifications may also earn higher salaries.

Physical therapy professionals have several options for career progression. Here are some of the common career paths for physical therapy professionals:

• Clinical Specialist: Physical therapists can specialize in a particular area of practice, such as orthopedics, neurology or pediatrics. They can become clinical specialists by completing additional certifications or advanced training in their area of interest.
• Clinical Manager: Physical therapists can advance into management roles in healthcare organizations, including hospitals, clinics and rehabilitation centers. They may oversee clinical operations, manage staff and ensure quality patient care.
• Entrepreneur: Physical therapists can start their own private practice or consulting business, providing specialized services to patients or healthcare organizations.
• Director/Executive: Physical therapists can advance into executive-level roles in healthcare organizations, such as directors of rehabilitation services or chief operating officers.

With advanced education and certifications, physical therapists can advance their careers and make a significant impact in the healthcare industry.

Physical therapist’s CVs have an open format. Unlike the functional, combination and chronological resume formats, which follow a particular order according to years of experience, you can choose the CV order according to your strongest qualifications, industry or job requirements. Find a polished, professional CV template, pay close attention to your grammar, action verbs and keywords to create your perfect CV.

The job outlook for physical therapy professionals is positive, with strong demand for their services expected to continue in the coming years. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 15% from 2022 to 2032. This growth is due to several factors, including an aging population that requires physical therapy services to manage chronic conditions and recover from injuries and surgeries.

In addition, advances in medical technology and treatment methods are improving the outcomes of physical therapy, making it a more effective and popular treatment option for patients. 

Overall, physical therapy professionals can expect a positive job outlook and strong demand for their services in the coming years. This makes physical therapy an attractive career choice for those interested in healthcare and helping others improve their quality of life.